Beyond the weighted blanket: The best weighted stuffed animal and pillow to ease anxiety

From magnesium supplements to fidget toys, there's no shortage of tools to help ease anxiety and reduce stress. Another option that should be on your radar? Weighted products like blankets, stuffed animals and pillows. There's something centering about placing a gentle weight on your chest or legs when you're feeling disconnected or out of sorts. While you may be familiar with weighted blankets, they're not the only option and you may find you prefer less-bulky items that are easier to travel with or to bring to work. Helpful choices include weighted stuffed animals, pillows and eye masks.

"I often recommend these items to clients because they are more portable and versatile than standard weighted blankets, making them useful in a variety of settings," says Alysha Perlman, clinical director at A Good Place Therapy. "The gentle pressure they provide can promote a calming effect, potentially increasing melatonin."

When to use a weighted stuffed animal or other tool

So, why should you use weighted stuffed animals or other weighted products to ease anxiety? Our experts say that they can be a great addition to your coping "toolbox." "Weighted tools such as weighted blankets, pillows and stuffed animals are increasingly used to support mental health, particularly for anxiety, sleep issues and stress," says Marco-Antonio Hartmann, a licensed psychologist with Phoenix Children's Multidisciplinary Pediatric Pain Treatment Clinic. Angel Butler, a therapist with Mindpath Health, adds that a person can use weighted tools when they need a healthy and safe way to deal with emotional discomfort.

They're also a great way to practice grounding. "People experiencing intense emotions, overstimulation or anxiety episodes often feel 'out of body' and need a way to reconnect with their bodies to feel safe and grounded. Having something physical to hold on to is a great way of doing that," says Kris Ramos, executive director of the Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center.

Ramos says that grounding techniques can be helpful to practice even when you're not in distress. Exercises like deep breathing, taking time to listen to the sounds around you, stretching, counting backward or touching something comforting can all help bring you into the current moment. Developing these habits when you're not experiencing emotional distress can make them easier to tap into when you're feeling out of sorts.

How to use weighted pillows and plush toys

As with many nonclinical tools, weighted plush toys and pillows should be selected based on your comfort and needs. For example, Perlman recommends holding a weighted stuffed animal on your lap while attending virtual meetings or using a weighted eye mask on a flight to manage travel anxiety. A health care professional can provide guidance on what might work best for you and what you should avoid, though this process may require a bit of trial and error.

Researchers are still exploring the effectiveness of weighted products. Many of the reported benefits are based on personal anecdotes and professional observations rather than strict science. Also, due to the range of demographics, conditions and outcomes studied, it's difficult to draw any hard-and-fast conclusions about the potential benefits across all demographics.

That said, data indicates weighted blankets may be able to help individuals managing a range of mental health concerns, and in the case of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, these tools may be an option worth trying. "Clinical guidelines state there is currently no strong evidence to support the routine use of weighted blankets for improving sleep in children living with ASD, and [yet] a substantial amount of people with lived experience report positive effects on reducing overstimulation," says Hartmann. He says that trying weighted products may be a good alternative choice, especially those seeking non-pharmacological options to support mental health or other diagnoses.

It's also worth noting that there isn't clear guidance on using these items to help kids with anxiety, especially younger children and toddlers. If you're curious about whether a weighted stuffed animal or other product might be helpful for your child, it's best to seek advice from a pediatrician or other pediatric health care professional. It's also important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics released a letter in 2023 specifically stating that weighted products (like blankets, swaddles and toys) should never be placed on or near a sleeping infant.

For adults or kids who may benefit from a weighted stuffed animal or toy, the experts we spoke with agree that while these products may be helpful for managing anxiety, they aren't a cure or a replacement for other treatments, like therapy. Butler also cautions that these products could be used as a way to avoid showing vulnerability or reaching out for support.

“The key is to use them as part of a broader toolkit for emotional regulation, rather than the sole source of comfort," says Perlman, adding that "if someone finds themselves needing [the product] frequently or struggling to cope without it, this may make the development of other self-regulation skills more difficult." Ramos agrees, and emphasizes that individuals should use weighted tools in tandem with other coping methods, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or a more clinical option.

Best small weighted products for easing anxiety

Warmies Weighted Stuffed Animals

$30

For the best weighted stuffed animal, look no further than Warmies — a brand that specializes in weighted plush toys for all ages (at a parent's discretion). You can choose from just about any animal you can think of, from classic bears and puppies to sloths and capybaras. The stuffed animals are gently weighted using natural grains and come in a variety of sizes and weights, though most weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds. For added relaxation, Warmies are lavender-scented and can be warmed in the microwave or chilled in the freezer. 

One mom of a child with ASD sums up this weighted stuffed animal well, saying, "Absolutely incredible product in so many ways! The smell is so incredible i want one for my bedroom when I go to sleep! It is heavenly! I absolutely HIGHLY recommend this product. We bought it for our son who has autism as we had heard great things about weighted toys, let me tell you, this was not a disappointment and works on so many levels! Very happy customers right here!"

$30 at Warmies

Odoxia Weighted Stuffed Animal for Anxiety

$30

For a basic, unscented weighted stuffed animal, this cozy sloth is a great pick. Odoxia Weighted Stuffed Animal for Anxiety is approximately 21-inches long and weighs 5 pounds, making it just the right size to place across your lap while working or to rest on your chest while lying on the couch. This weighted plush toy comes with a carrying case and the exterior is removable for cleaning.

The sloth is a hit with adults and children alike. According to one Amazon reviewer, "I work in an elementary school (OT) and I think more adults are in love with this sloth than students! Visitors to my office hold him and sigh with relief. I keep him nearby for stressful meetings. I can win over reluctant participants with a visit from Mr Sloth." Just keep in mind that because it's on the heavier side, this weighted plush toy might not be appropriate for younger kids and toddlers. 

$30 at ODOXIA

Quiet Mind Pillow

$159

For the best weighted pillow, it's hard to beat Quiet Mind Pillow. Touted as "the first-ever huggable weighted pillow," it's designed to be put on your lap, hugged to your chest or cuddled while you sleep. The founder has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and says the product helps quiet his mind — hence the name — while providing a more portable alternative to a weighted blanket. 

While it isn't cheap, reviewers overwhelmingly agree that the quality is worth the cost. According to one, "I wanted to dislike [Quiet Mind PIllow] because of the price, but after trying other pillows, the difference is clear. Regular pillows just don't compare. Now, I feel like I NEED my Quiet Mind pillows. If anything happened to them, I'd replace them without hesitation."

The Quiet Mind Pillow is available in three sizes — small (6 pounds), medium (9 pounds) and large (12 pounds) — and four colors.

$159 at One Quiet Mind

Hugimals Super Sized Heart to Hug Pillow

$92

For a weighted plush that looks like a cute, heart-shaped throw pillow, but offers 8 pounds of support and hand pockets to keep you cozy, the Hugimals Super Sized Heart to Hug Pillow checks all the boxes. Its large size and endearing shape make it the ultimate huggable option to hold to your chest while having heart-to-heart conversations with a therapist, family member or friend. It's also a good choice for teens who are "too old" for stuffed animals but like the idea of having something cuter than a standard pillow. 

Of course, it's spendy at $92, but the proof is in the pudding — an effective product is often worth the price. One reviewer says, "I have another Hugimal product (also highly recommend) but the extra weight of the Super Sized pillow has made it my go-to as I am navigating a particularly tough time. I never realized how effective deep touch pressure is for me."

$92 at Hugimals

Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask

$34

While not technically a toy, this plush weighted eye mask is a helpful tool for relieving stress and anxiety. Nodpod is a woman-owned sleep brand focused on wellness, and its weighted sleep mask stands out for its four-pod design, which is designed to stay put — even if you sleep on your side. Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask is made from jersey cotton on one side and microfleece on the other. It's gently weighted with microbeads and can be chilled in the freezer for headache relief. 

This mask has more than 1,200, 5-star reviews on Amazon. With satisfied customers praising it for its quality, ease of cleaning (it's machine-washable) and lack of a scent. One more relaxed reviewer says, "The cloth is the softest velvet which feels luxurious — it’s a gentle pressure across the eyes, it’s just so soothing and relaxing. Blocks out any kind of crack of light you might experience, which is so distracting. I’ll never live without one again!"

$34 at nodpod

The Hug Ball — 3-lb. Weighted Ball for Sensory Play

$34

For older toddlers or younger children who need a bit of grounding pressure wrapped up in a fun plush toy, Hugimals' The Hug Ball is a nice choice. Each fuzzy ball offers 3 pounds of weight and features two different emotive faces. The green ball features "Oh yeah!" and "Oh no!" faces, while the pink ball shows "happy" and "sleepy" options. Is your kid having a rough time before heading to school? Maybe let them hug one (or both) of these plushes while showing you the faces that most closely aligns with their feelings. 

One reviewer with the green ball has nothing but good things to say, "We jokingly call this guy 'HapPEA' at our house, because he looks a bit like a green pea. He lives on the couch and is glad to sit on anyone’s lap who needs a bit of grounding and relaxation. The weight feels excellent for the size of the ball and the plush used is quite soft. Would recommend to anyone needing a fun, round pillow that enjoys a bit of comfort from weighted items."

$34 at Hugimals

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.